Quadriplegic Neil Sachse has fundraised $6 million for spinal injury research
NEIL Sachse became a quadriplegic while on the cusp of VFL greatness 41 years ago. Today, he has raised $6 million to help others receive better treatment.
EACH day in Australia someone will wake up feeling fine but by day’s end they’ll be in hospital, paralysed and terrified. It’s these people Neil Sachse spends a lot of time thinking about.
“I know what it’s like,” he says, “So I try to help out.”
Today’s Australian of the Day was on the cusp of greatness with the VFL in 1975 when his life changed forever. In only his second match for Footscray, he was left a quadriplegic after a freak on-field collision.
A father of two young children, his initial focus was stability for his family. But in 1994 Neil and friend Dawn Ferrett — whose daughter also had a spinal injury — started what became known as the Neil Sachse Foundation.
To date, says Neil, it has raised about $6 million to fund research into better treatment for spinal injuries. The foundation was instrumental in Flinders University being able to prove that spinal nerve fibres can regrow and some movement can return.
Today — 41 years after his injury — Neil is as committed as ever.
“We’re working on funding better imaging in the diagnosis of spine injuries, because presently they still poke you with a pin,” says Neil, 65.
“We also want to create a centre of excellence for spinal cord injury in SA, so that’s the next one I’m after.”
CommBank has partnered with News Corp Australia for the Australian of the Day initiative in 2016 that celebrates Australians who make a real contribution to their communities. Go to theaustralianoftheday.com.auwebsite where you can read all about these amazing Australians and perhaps even nominate someone you know.
Originally published as Quadriplegic Neil Sachse has fundraised $6 million for spinal injury research
Fighting mind over matter
When it came to developing dementia in 2008, it was a matter of sooner – not later – for Kate who was preparing to celebrate her 50th birthday.
The woman with “the best job in the world”
ANDREA Mason is working hard to integrate elements of corporate Australia to create employment, support health and wellbeing, and tackle domestic violence in the community.